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Rynchops niger

BLACK SKIMMER

Florida native

Florida Species of Special Concern

Black skimmers are the only North American bird with a lower mandible longer than the upper. Primarily coastal in Central and North America, as far north as the Salton Sea near San Diego on the west coast and Massachusetts on the east coast in the summer. Ranges through much of South America except in the Andes range. Most of the North American breeding occurs along the gulf coast.
Easily identified by the distinctive beak, white underneath and dark on top. Black crown continues down the back of the neck when in breeding plumage (Mar.-Sep.), has a white color during the non-breeding season (Sep.-Mar.). Length 46 cm (18 in) wingspan 112 cm (44 in) males larger than the females.
Graceful flyer,with wingbeats mostly above the body and the head held lower than the tail. Glides just above the water with the lower mandible dipped in the water. When the skimmer encounters a fish, tucks the head down to grab it. Often rests on the ground completely prone with the head stretched forward.
There are only three species of skimmers, Rynchops niger in the Americas, R. flavirostris (African skimmer) on the African continent, andR. albicollis (Indian skimmer) on the Indian subcontinent with small numbers in southeast Asia.

TweetRynchops niger is a member of the Laridae - Gulls, Terns & Skimmers family.